Calvin T. Durgin Papers

Born on January 7, 1893 in Palmyra, New Jersey, Durgin attended public school there. He was appointed to the United States Naval Academy in 1912 and was commissioned an Ensign in the Navy in 1916. After two years of service aboard battleships, he began a career in aviation at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida. Durgin then pursued studies in Aeronautical Engineering at the Naval Postgraduate School and M.I.T. He served with the battle fleet squadrons. In the 1930s, he assumed many positions, each with increasing responsibility.

He commanded the USS Ranger after World War II began, and for his skillful service was promoted to Rear Admiral in 1943. As commander of an air task group, he provided air support for the invasion of Southern France in 1944. After the war Durgin served as Deputy Chief Naval Operations, and in 1949 was promoted to Vice Admiral. After he retired in 1951. he was appointed Superintendent of The New York State Maritime College and served until 1959. He retired to his farm in Virginia, but kept busy visiting and traveling. He passed away in 1965 while attending the Metropolitan Opera.